Our Me 4 MEfA Campaign aims to raise £100 from 100 schools to expand our programme for children with autism, increasing our social impact and raising awareness of the needs of children with autism. Can you help?

London-based charity Montessori Education for Autism (MEfA) has launched a fundraising campaign to expand their programmes for children with autism. The charity runs a free-of-charge after-school nurture group for primary aged school children who are having difficulties at school because of their autism or other special need. Some of the children have been expelled or excluded from school whilst others just need a little extra help with their behaviour, social interactions, communication, language and sensory integration. The children often initially arrive with frustrations and anger, and the nurture group experience helps them and their families to overcome each barrier to becoming reintegrated into school and able to make the most of their education.

Following discussions with schools and local authorities, MEfA is now expanding their programme with a new group called 'Teenage Transitions', designed for older children aged between 11 and 14 to help them negotiate the tricky transition to secondary school. The more children and young people are able to engage with their schooling the better their self-esteem and well-being; this has a very positive impact on their overall life chances.

Schools are invited to join the campaign by raising £100 for the charity. "We hope that schools in London, and others from further afield will support us." Wendy Fidler, MEfA's director said, "The Me 4 MEfA Campaign will help us to increase our social impact by reaching more families with autism and raise awareness of the needs of children with autism in schools and in the community. The Campaign was launched at Blackheath High School for Girls: Wendy Fidler gave a Power-Point presentation at a whole school assembly assisted by Dot who attends the school. Dot is volunteering with the MEfA primary after-school nurture group as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. Blackheath High School was the first school to sign up - please spread the word. £100 contributions have already been received from other schools in London and as far away as the south coast.

To find out more about the campaign or how MEFA may be able to help your child, family or school, please contact Wendy Fidler at MEfA: 0208 305 2202 / 07710433994 www.montessorieducationforautism.com